Pages

April 29, 2016

Pass It On

When I was young we played a game called Pass it On. It was normally played where there was a group of people, like slumber parties or on the playground. The first person in the group would whisper something in the next persons ear and say "pass it on." That person would whisper what the first person said to the next person and add something to it, and say "pass it on." So by the time you got to the end, there was a whole story made up! You get the picture.

Normally it was harmless, silly things being said, but I remember a time when playing "Pass it On" at a slumber party resulted in a couple of people who actually got hurt over it. Here is what happened. When playing this game, it got to the point of what we as adults would consider "gossip." By the time we returned to school on Monday the victims of the "pass it on" game were being talked about and made fun of at school, and the things being said were not true. They were not at the party to defend themselves when it began, so they had no way of knowing what would transpire out of a drama filled game that took place over the weekend. As the week progressed, people kept "passing it on," adding to the rumors and drama, and it got really ugly. I recall the sorrow in my own heart for taking place in the initial game, and vowed to never play that game again. I felt so bad for these people, they were my friends and I took place in starting these rumors about them, by hanging out with people who loved to start drama for others.

I ended up confessing to my friends, and told them what happened and how the whole thing got so blown out of proportion. Of course some of the girls who were involved in the initial "Pass it On" game became very upset with me, but I was okay with that. I felt so much better by telling the truth. I realized who my real friends were, and that I was not being a real friend to them by keeping secrets and allowing people to continue to hurt them.

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. Ephesians 4:25

I never did play "Pass it On again!

Even today as adults, I think rumors and drama can get so far out of hand, and it can happen before you know what hit you. I still know people that I am very close to who love to carry the drama wherever they go, and will gossip about anything, to anyone who will listen. They love to create their own storms, then get mad when it rains. I have learned to pray beforehand when I know that I am going to be seeing these people. I have also learned that it is so easy to remove myself from conversations that I feel are heading that way. I can either try to change the subject, be honest and upfront by telling them that I do not care to partake in these kinds of conversations, or simply walk away if the opportunity is there.

He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity. Proverbs 21:23

We must guard our tongues and refrain from gossip. If we surrender our desires to the Lord, He will help us to remain obedient. There are so many verses in the Bible that talk about how gossip is displeasing to God, and I do not want any part of displeasing God! Now that is something I am willing to "Pass On!"

I have learned the hard way over the years to avoid the gossip and drama. With 4 kiddos we have enough excitement in our home without going outside it for more, lol. We have used the pass it on game to teach our kids how misunderstandings can happen...it's an excellent tool for that. Good reminder!

So true that gossip is dangerous and even what starts as a game can get out of hand. It is important to guard our tongues and be watchful foe situations that are heading that way and try to change the subject or remove ourselves from it. Visiting from FMF (#46)

My husband was raised Presbyterian so when we were married I started going to his church even though I'd been raised Methodist (not much difference between the two anyway). When our children came along they were the only little ones in the church. After a lot of discussion we decided that I'd take them to the Methodist church where there were classes and other kids while my husband would continue to attend the P. Church because he held offices there. Well you should have heard all the gossip! It was all through the community that we were getting divorced when all we were trying to do was what was best for the kids. I know first hand how gossip hurts. Sure wish there were more people like you, Rachelle who refuse to "pass it on". Great post, Cindy

Oh Cindy! I can only imagine how painful that must have been, especially if you live in a small community. Isn't it just crazy how even adults can automatically assume what is going on in someone else's life? Thank you for reading and commmenting. Have a great weekend!